11.09.2013

Ivanabitch Tobacco Vodka

Ivanabitch Tobacco Vodka

Flavored Vodka

70 Proof (35% Alcohol)

Netherlands

For a little while now, I've talked about some of the crazy flavored vodkas and liqueurs that have been coming out and I've reviewed a few (primarily Smirnoff). But nothing, and I mean nothing, has even come close to this: TOBACCO VODKA.

That's right. Let that sink in.

Tobacco... Flavored... Vodka.

Boom! That's the sound of your mind being blown. Boom! There it goes again.

So....... my definition of crazy flavored vodkas has now been expanded into uncharted territory. This is the Ivanabitch Tobacco Vodka. It comes in at a reasonable 70 Proof. It's a high quality vodka distilled in the Netherlands. It is distilled five times and triple charcoal filtered. Not too shabby. Now, let's taste this bad boy.

Ivanabitch Tobacco Vodka pours crystal clear as most vodkas do. It smells a lot like some of the lighter-wrapped cigars in my humidor: tobacco, cedar, and musky, with a distinct yet mild cherry-like sweetness. Whereas some scotch smells like a burning cigar, this smells like one that hasn't yet been lit with some extra sweetness thrown in the mix. Tasting brings about an interesting sweetness almost like hard butterscotch candies followed by some strong cedar, raw tobacco leaf, and white pepper.

What's the verdict? Surprisingly better than I was expecting, but will definitely be ridiculously polarizing to pretty much everyone. I appreciate the raw/unlit tobacco flavors versus a burnt approach, and the additional sweetness is enough to balance everything out and make it drinkable. This is much closer in flavor to an unlit cigar or pipe tobacco than it is a cigarette, and thank goodness!

I've been drinking this on the rocks and it's not too shabby, to me at least since I enjoy cigars. It might also be interesting mixed with cola. Definitely an interesting change of pace. I could imagine that people who completely dislike cigars or pipes may totally find this off-putting. But hey, it's not for them anyway. Although, I really want to give someone who isn't expecting it a taste of this. ;)

This is a classic example of Go Big or Go Home! And I definitely appreciate the Go Big approach. Nicely done, Ivanabitch, even if it is just a gimmick like Bacon flavored vodka.

Stay tuned. I also have a bottle of Ivanabitch Menthol Tobacco Flavored Vodka up for review!!! Now that will be even more interesting.

Drink This: if you enjoy the flavor of a cigar or pipe tobacco right before you light it. OR if you just want to try something crazy. And yes, it really does taste very much like tobacco.

Don't Drink This: if you don't like tobacco. Seriously. You're going to be weirded out. But hey, maybe that's half the fun.